Page 12 of Once Upon a Devilish Duke

“Charles is more competent than you think. He just lacks confidence. Besides, he should know how to run things, as your heir, of course.”

“Last time I brought it up, he looked like he was about to cast up his accounts, so I went no further, but this time I shall be more…diplomatic about it.”

“Well, good luck.” Tony stood. “Perhaps Gabrielle should also be there when you tell him. She will be a great help in keeping him in check.”

“Good idea,” he said, looking at his brother, who was still standing. Their visit was over, it would seem. Part of him wanted to ignore the obvious gesture just to annoy him. The other part of him was glad that he had given him an opportunity to leave. He took his time standing, tapping his hat back onto his head. “It looks like you too need to get back to work.”

He paused at the door. “Give my love to Lucinda.”

“I will,” Tony replied.

As Edward descended the stairs, he shook his head. He was the only one to blame for his siblings’ standoffish behavior toward him. He held himself aloof. He was the one who distanced himself from them. It started as a way to cope with his tumultuous feelings after Victoria’s death. He could not bear to see their pity. Later, he could not stand their anger and disappointment with him when he did not return to Ashtonvale. Now, after all these years, it had become a habit. It was easier to pretend that Maxine did not exist, that her birth had been nothing but a bad dream.

Mind made up about Charles, he knew it was the right choice, but Charles was, well, Charles, and as such he needed to tread carefully. His brother was an intelligent man, but as Tony had said, he lacked confidence. It was about time his mild-mannered heir stepped up to help him.

Chapter Three

The house was in chaos as trunks and bags littered the foyer as they prepared to go to London for the season. Rose had spent all morning in the nursery with Max. They had made a package for her father. It was about time he was reminded that he had a daughter and that, no matter where he lived, it did not change that fact. Rose did not want to get Max’s hopes up and cautioned that if nothing did change, it would have nothing to do with her and everything to do with the man who had created her.

“I put my best drawing and watercolor in. Do you think he will read the letter?”

“I will make sure that he does.”

“He might get angry with you. I don’t care if he hates me, but I will not allow him to be upset with you.”

Spoken just like a duke’s daughter. It pained her that Max thought her father hated her. “He might get angry, but what can he do to me? Sometimes, people need to hear the truth, even if they do not like it. You are a brilliant, smart, and beautiful young lady, and if he wants nothing to do with you, it will be his loss, and you must put him aside.”

“But he is the duke.”

“I will tell you a secret.” She moved closer and whispered. “Dukes are just men. They are not gods.”

Max giggled. “I wish you would stay.”

“You will have great fun with your Aunt Anna and your cousins.”

“I know, and she said I could take Cordelia.”

“Then you are sure to have a great time. Please be good and help her with the children.”

“I will,” Max said, clutching Rose’s skirt.

“Do not forget that we will be writing to you so you will not be missing out on all the news.”

Max nodded, but tears shone in her eyes.

Rose hugged her. “Remember, kindred spirits.”

“Kindred spirits.” Max squeezed her tightly.

Rose heard a polite cough. The butler was at the door. “Lady Rose, the carriage is ready, and the dowager has requested that you join them downstairs.”

“Thank you, I will be right down.”

Holding hands, Rose and Max went downstairs to meet the others and say their final goodbyes. Sitting in the carriage and waving out the window, Rose was reminded of how very different this departure was from the last one. She wanted to go to London, she did, but Ashtonvale was a place where your troubles seemed to seep away like a misty morning.

In London, she may have to face her brother. In London, she would have to live with the dreadful duke. Oh, but in London she may meet her future husband, and in London she may even find…herself.

Marianne kept the conversation flowing for the first few hours, and then gradually they all fell asleep. The trip was long, and they would need to stay at some coaching inns along the way, but it would be worth the aches and pains of such a long journey to get to London again.